Passenger doused with hot curry on flight, IndiGo asked to pay Rs 25,000

A flight from Bangkok to Bengaluru went wrong when a passenger got hot curry spilled on them right after takeoff. What should have been a normal trip turned stressful, with their things ruined and hours of discomfort.

The incident on board

Just 15 minutes into the flight, a flight attendant opened the overhead bin above the passenger’s seat. A hot meal fell from the bin, spilling curry on him. He reported that the accident caused skin irritation and a headache that lasted for several hours.

As a vegetarian, he said the smell of the non-vegetarian food made his discomfort worse. Being unable to change clothes immediately, he also felt embarrassed, claiming that some co-passengers laughed at the situation, according to a report by the Times of India dated 2nd February 2026.

The passenger stated that his branded T-shirt, jeans, jacket, shoes, and innerwear were ruined. His backpack, smartwatch, and mobile phone were also affected.

Filing a consumer complaint

After the incident, the airline admitted negligence through phone and email and offered a Rs 5,000 travel voucher. The passenger rejected it, stating it did not compensate for the discomfort and loss suffered. According to the report, he filed a consumer complaint seeking Rs 5 lakh as compensation for mental harassment and other losses.

IndiGo’s defence

In its defence, IndiGo said there was no deficiency in service. The airline explained that a deficiency arises only when there is a shortcoming or inadequacy in the quality, nature, or manner of service mandated by the law or contract. The airline maintained that the incident was unintentional.

As mentioned in the report, as a goodwill gesture, the airline had repeatedly offered a Rs 5,000 travel voucher, which was declined.

The airline also called the Rs 5 lakh claim “illegal and exorbitant.”

Commission ruling

After reviewing the case, the Bengaluru Urban District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission held that the airline was responsible. As quoted by the Times of India, the commission observed:

“Opening an overhead bin after takeoff, resulting in a hot meal falling on a passenger, amounted to a clear lapse in service.”

The bench also noted that airlines have a responsibility to safely store hot or loose items during flights. However, it said the passenger could not provide credible evidence to substantiate claims of medical expenses or complete damage to clothes.

According to the report, on December 12, 2025, the commission ordered IndiGo to pay Rs 20,000 as compensation and Rs 5,000 as litigation costs. The bench included President Shivarama K and members Chandrashekar S Noola and Rekha Sayannavar.
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